The pain from a bulging disc can interfere with your everyday life, so naturally you’ll want to put a stop to it as soon as you can. Oftentimes, your symptoms will improve after four to six weeks, but if they don’t, you’ll need to ask your doctor or chiropractor for treatment options. There are a few different ways to address a bulging disc, but what’s the best option for lasting relief? Here is what you need to know about treating your back pain.
How Can a Bulging Disc Be Treated?
There are a few different ways to address bulging disc pain, each with their own pros and cons. For example, you can take over the counter or prescription medications to relieve your pain and reduce swelling in your back tissues. However, there are certain risks to relying on medication. For example, some painkillers can potentially increase your chances of experiencing heart problems.
In extreme cases, some doctors might suggest back surgery to treat a bulging disc. There are different types of surgery that can be performed depending on the situation; for example, discectomy involves removing the portion of the disc pressing against spinal nerves whereas a total disc replacement calls for taking out the disc altogether and replacing it with an artificial one. Unfortunately, spinal surgery doesn’t always properly address the problem, so you may still be in pain after the procedure.
Luckily, there are more conservative solutions to a bulging disc than back surgery. In many cases, your chiropractor is likely to recommend spinal decompression as the best solution for your pain.
Why is Spinal Decompression Often the Best Option for Bulging Disc?
Nonsurgical spinal decompression is a noninvasive treatment where you lie down on a special table while wearing a harness around your pelvis and trunk. The lower part of the table moves while the upper part stays in place, stretching and relaxing your spine. This takes the pressure off your spinal discs and allows the fluid they contain to return to the center. As a result, bulging discs are able to regain their original shape and stop pressing on nearby nerves.
This approach offers a natural way to address the cause of bulging disc without having to depend on medication, and it lets you avoid the risks that can come with back surgery. Also, compared to surgical treatments, spinal decompression has a very high success rate, especially when combined with stretching exercises and other treatments you can perform at home.
When it comes to treating your bulging disc, natural treatments such as spinal decompression offer quite a few advantages. That said, you should definitely schedule an appointment with your chiropractor or doctor before making any decisions. Once they’ve examined your back and narrowed down the cause of your pain, they can point you in the right direction for treatment.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Brigitte Rozenberg completed her training at the Cleveland Chiropractic College. Today she is a Board-Certified Chiropractor in California, and she is certified by the Disc Centers of America for non-surgical spinal decompression therapy. Her practice, Spinatomy Spine & Disc Centers, offers Van Nuys patients various noninvasive treatments for bulging discs and other painful conditions. To schedule a consultation, visit her website or call (818) 938-2132.
